Adventures in the Kitchen

Brandon cracks me up.  He comes home for break around 7:15am each morning...usually about the time I am trying to convince myself to get out of bed.  Never fails, one of the first things he says is, "So...what's for lunch?  How about dinner?"  I haven't even started thinking about breakfast yet, and this kid is already wanting to plan a meal that's a good 10 hours away!  So funny.  But I guess it's a highlight in his day, since we are always cooking up something yummy in the kitchen.

Back in the day, I had issues making basic mac & cheese...out of the box.  Just as my Mama Jo.  Luckily, I have found the motivation and interest in perfecting a few skills in the kitchen....(Disclaimer: those skills do NOT in any way refer to baking.   Just ask my husband. Cookies, breads and cakes are just not my thing, no matter how hard I try).  But that's why cooking is so appealing...a pinch of this, a dollop of that...ah, sweet kitchen freedom!  You are not slave to a recipe or exact measurements as with baking.  So we like to experiment with flavors, herbs, spices and new ingredients.  I have dubbed Brandon the "condiment king;"  take a look in our fridge and cabinets and you will understand why.  

Usually, our adventures in the kitchen go a little something like this:  I concoct a delicious recipe through sheer imagination, or by thumbing through my favorite cookbooks & online recipe sites.  I usually give it a trial run, going "by the book."  If it's a keeper, Brandon likes to give it a try too, always adding his own spin on things.  Secretly, I think we have a little competition going on---who can make it better?  Usually I like my version best, and he prefers his creation...of course!  I think we make a good team--my favorite is when we cook together, and now we have little monster sitting in the high chair, watching all the action.  Fun stuff!

Last night we tried something completely new--sauteed kale, red peppers, and onion with rosemary thyme quinoa and chicken.  Surprisingly good!  Last week, I also gave Chicken Curry a try.  I am a sucker for good Indian food, but the ingredient list seems never ending, so I am always hesitant to try out a recipe at home.  Our kitchen smelled like Little India, but just a few simple ingredients later, we had a delicious and authentic-tasting dish!  I have to share this recipe, because it is so stinkin' easy and it utilizes one of my favorite appliances, the slow cooker. 

Chicken Curry

Directions

1. In a large plastic bag combine 3tbsp.  flour, 3 tbsp.curry powder, 1 tsp. cumin, and salt. Add chicken (3-4 chicken breasts or thighs, cubed), a few pieces at a time; seal and shake to coat.

2. In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker combine 2 cups chopped potatoes, 1.5 cups sliced carrots, 1 apple-coarsely chopped, 3/4 cup onion, 2 cloves of garlic, & 1 seeded & finely chopped jalapeno peppers. Top with chicken. Pour 1/2 c. water & chicken broth over chicken mixture.

3. Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours.

4. If using low-heat setting, turn the slow cooker to high-heat setting. Stir 1 can coconut milk into chicken mixture. Cover; cook for 30 minutes more. Serve over hot cooked rice. Sprinkle each serving with raisins and peanuts. Makes 8 servings.

                         Photo from Better Homes & Gardens--mine didn't look quite this pretty!
Always on the look out for new recipes.  What are your favorite meals?  Please share!